Definition. Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that covers everything Part A and Part B cover. Plans usually use a provider network, can include Part D drug coverage, and each has a yearly limit on what you pay for covered services.
What it means
Medicare Advantage is the alternative to Original Medicare. A private company that contracts with Medicare covers your Part A and Part B services. Plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they set their own premiums, copays, networks and rules such as prior authorization, within Medicare's limits. Each plan has a yearly out-of-pocket maximum for covered in-network services; Medicare's 2026 limit is $9,250.
Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness. Extra benefits vary by plan and county, may have limits and costs, and not every plan offers them. Check a plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage.
Common plan types are HMOs (you generally use the plan's network and may need referrals) and PPOs (out-of-network care is covered, usually at a higher cost). You can't use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage plan.
In Oregon
CMS's 2027 plan data list 61 Medicare Advantage plans open to everyone in Oregon, from 14 companies, plus 26 special needs plans. What's offered depends on your county: for 2027 there's no Medicare Advantage plan open to everyone in Grant, Harney, Lake, Umatilla and Union counties, and only a special needs plan in Curry County. In July 2026, 523,528 of Oregon's 973,880 people with Medicare were in Medicare Advantage or another Medicare health plan (CMS Monthly Enrollment). Several companies also stop offering plans in some counties for 2027; see plans ending in 2027 and your county's page.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- CMS — Medicare Monthly Enrollment
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare Advantage replace Original Medicare?
While you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan covers your Part A and Part B services instead of Original Medicare. You're still in Medicare, still pay your Part B premium, and can return to Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods.
Do all Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage?
No. Some don't. If you choose one without drug coverage and have no other creditable drug coverage, you could owe a Part D late enrollment penalty later.
Is Medicare Advantage available everywhere in Oregon?
No. For 2027, CMS data show no Medicare Advantage plan open to everyone in Grant, Harney, Lake, Umatilla and Union counties (only employer group plans), and only a special needs plan in Curry County.
Medicare in your Oregon county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →
